Chicken Inn dragged before PSL disciplinary committee
STAFF WRITER
Chicken Inn FC has been dragged before the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Disciplinary Committee following the dramatic abandonment of their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 13 encounter against Scottland FC, which was halted in the dying minutes after a controversial penalty decision triggered chaos at Rufaro Stadium.
The match, played on Friday, 23 May 2025, was abandoned in the 89th minute after referee Quedsani Dirwai awarded a late penalty to Scottland FC, ruling that Chicken Inn defender Dominic Jaricha had handled the ball inside the box. The decision sparked furious protests from Chicken Inn players, leading to a prolonged stoppage as tempers flared.
After several minutes of confusion and heated confrontation, Chicken Inn eventually consented to allow the penalty to be taken. However, by then, visibility at Rufaro Stadium had significantly deteriorated due to poor lighting, and goalkeeper Bernard Donovan refused to resume play, citing the unsafe conditions. With darkness setting in and no resolution in sight, the referee abandoned the match before the penalty could be executed.
PSL confirmed that Chicken Inn FC has been summoned to appear before its Disciplinary Committee over what it described as serious breaches of league regulations. The club faces charges of disorderly conduct, failure by players and officials to comply with lawful orders, disrupting the normal proceedings of a match, and ultimately causing the abandonment of the game.
Furthermore, Chicken Inn midfielder George Majika has also been cited to appear before the Disciplinary Committee. He is accused of disorderly conduct and failure to comply with instructions from match officials during the chaotic final moments of the match.
According to the PSL, the disciplinary hearing will be held at the league’s offices on Thursday, 26 June 2025. The outcome of the hearing could have significant implications for both the club and the player, as the league moves to clamp down on misconduct and ensure adherence to professional standards.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over officiating, player discipline, and the inadequate infrastructure at some local stadiums, particularly with regard to lighting. As the league continues to push for improved professionalism and matchday standards, the abandoned fixture has become a flashpoint in the broader conversation about the state of Zimbabwean football.
